Stockton Town secured their place in the Durham Challenge Cup Second Round with victory over Crook Town.
Mikey Roberts opened the scoring inside two minutes, and Stockton doubled their lead through Michael Sweet.
A stunner from Harry Laviolette reduced the scoreline to one but Adam Nicholson soon restored it in what proved to be the final goal of the game.
Michael Dunwell named six changes from the side that beat Blyth Spartans at the weekend. Elliott Stephenson made his second start in goal, and there were also starts for Shane Henry, Arjun Purewal, Elliott Beddow, Michael Sweet and Mikey Roberts.
Stockton made the perfect start when the ball was played across to Roberts who rifled into the top corner.
Despite falling behind, Crook Town were not deterred and had a decent when Ethan Bewley went through but he handled before he could get an effort away.
Stockton doubled their lead when a driving run from Henry saw him play the ball through for Sweet who rounded the goalkeeper before slotting home.
Crook Town were back in the game close to half time when Laviolette picked up the ball 25-yards from goal and looped the ball over Stephenson.
Their joy was short lived as Stockton restored their two-goal lead. Butterworth’s corner from the right was headed in at the back post by Nicholson.
Half Time: Stockton Town 3-1 Crook Town
The start of the second half saw former Anchor Sonni Coleman make his return as he came from Bewley.
It should have be more in the second half but Sweet’s back post header was ruled out for perceived offside from the linesman.
Cam Painter fancied his chances from range but his dipping effort from 35-yards just dropped wide.
In the end, Stockton held out for a comfortable win and are in the hat for the Second Round.
Full-Time: Stockton Town 3-1 Crook Town
Stockton Town: Stephenson, King, Baggs, Henry, Nicholson (Coulthard 71′), Purewal, Beddow (Fowler 59′), Butterworth (Painter 69′), Sweet (Gallacher 71′), Leech (Birtles 59′), Roberts
Unused Subs: N/A
Crook Town: Fairless (Barron 83′), Rudd, Matthews, Mitton, Walker, Laviolette (McWilliam 56′), Goldsborough, Havelock-Brown (Bunton 68′), Bewley (Coleman 46′), Trotter (Gardiner 69′), Moody
Unused Subs: N/A
Goals: 1-0, 2 min, Roberts; 2-0, 38 min, Sweet; 2-1, 43 min, Laviolette; 3-1, 44 min, Nicholson.
Attendance: 248
Words: James Cartwright
Photo: Harry Cook
